Rev. Miller was always bi-vocational; though his latter year of life was spent at Lockheed, he worked as a brick mason for over forty years in each state where he lived. He learned the trade in Georgia and took his skills to college where he laid the block on the first permanent building at Bay Ridge College in Texas as a student. 

S12 - Worked on his own home, flower bed, blocked in the car port creating a room, one-of-a-kind fireplace with unmatched craftsmanship.   He even designed a cross in the chimney.

S13 -  While in Meridian, he worked as a contractor and subcontractor on many homes as well as several businesses throughout the county.  One of the last homes he bricked was that of Supervisor Wayman and Shelia Newell. (Wayman Newell)

S14 – Charlie last commercial job was the Holiday Inn South on Hwy 145, as you see pictured here.  Being self-employed, he took the opportunity to hire family members.  He gave his son and many of his nephews their first jobs. This gave him the opportunity not only to share his faith but to teach the value of hard work and many other life lessons.  Here is what a couple of them had to say:

 S15 – Rev. Miller accepted Christ as a teenager and began his ministry at the age of around 20 years old He served as assistant pastor in each state where he lived prior to making Meridian his home.  After 3 years as assistant, he became lead pastor at Tabernacle Church of God in 1978 serving alongside his wife, Jinnell who herself is an ordained minister in the Church of God

 S16 -  Even though he pastored of a small church, Rev. Miller truly exhibited a shepherd’s heart by ministering to everyone he met.  Many people that were given up on by other pastors found solace and compassion from Pastor Miller.  He had a heart for the last, the least, and the lost.  Pastor He gave of his time as well as his services to help seniors and single mothers.   William Brown, former member

S17 – Pastor Miller believed in fellowshipping with the body of Christ.  As a member of the Church of God in Mississippi, he made it his business to support the churches in Lauderdale and surrounding counties during revival season when he was not the evangelist.  There many times after working long and hard days he would come home, shower, grab something to eat and head out.  As children, we would ask, “Daddy, where you going.”  His response, “I’m going to revival meeting”. He was active in the Farmhaven association of the church of God attending campmeetings and youth camps regularly along with his family supporting the state work.  He held several state offices including Vice Chairman but he was by far heralded as a Renown parliamentarian who was a mediator at heart. Often times he was called upon to handle delicate and heated matters.  He took several young ministers under his wing offering his pulpit to them from time to time to help them gain experience. (Sis. Spain)

S18 – 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (read from screen) This was one of Rev. Miller’s favorite scriptures. In the early 80s, Rev. Miller felt called to begin the work of reconciliation among the black and white Church of God congregations in Meridian.  The first Integrated revival was held at his congregation in Daleville, MS.  Rev. James Williams, the former pastor of First Church of God Meridian. He along with along with some of his ministers his church and Parkview (NorthPark Churcpreached during the 5 night revival.   His efforts eventually led to the combination of the black and white assemblies in MS; later his cross denominational connection in the 1990s he befriended the former pastor of Northcrest Baptist Church, Malcolm Lewis whom he and Jinnell met at the local Hardees.  After several Wednesday nights eating there, a bond and friendhip formed.  Rev. Miller even attended some of NorthCrest’s community revivals ministering at the altar. (Marshall Stokes)

S19 – Another group that had a special place in his heart were the youth spending time as a president of the youth in Georgia and later as director and counselor at the Church of God youth camps in the 1980s. He invested in the youth of his own flock attending many of the youth services and activities when his scheduled allowed.  He always made time to not only speak to them but to have a conversation.  Because the church did not have a van, Rev. Miller used in personal vehicle to transport children to and from church on Sunday mornings.  And just in case you are wondering, a 98 Oldsmobile can hold 9 people! (Lynn)

S20 -  PTA president at his children’s elementary school. Participated at the Sam Dale Community Day benefitting the volunteer fire department community of church was located.  Attended some of the local city council and supervisor’s meetings and member local NAACP, Chamber of Commerce, Mission Meridian, Promise Keepers

 S21 - Although Rev. Miller never got to meet his 4 grandchildren, they are fully aware of his legacy.  And 2 of them sharing parts of his name, Kenneth Charles and Aaliyah Charnell.  They all are aware of his rich heritage of faith and his love of family. Active in the Reconciliation Week Activities from a young age – stuffing and stamping envelopes

S22 – Mrs. Jinnell Miller has led her family and community in honoring Rev. Charlie Miller’s legacy.  As the visionary of Reconciliation Week, she has labored to help the community in the spirit of reconciliation

S23 -  Through the annual Reconciler Award recognitions …..

S24 – and the award of Rev. Miller Memorial Scholarships, Rev. Miller’s legacy is sure to continue for many years to come.

S25 – To be continued . . . 20 Years Later, we are stronger through reconciliation and we invite you to be part of this year’s celebration. Join our FB group, review schedule for the week